Tell me about yourself.
Typically used as an opening question to kick off the interview, this question can be frustrating since it is hard to determine what to cover as a brief introduction. When answering this one, stick to a script of less than a minute, focusing more on your most recent work experience than anything else. Do not babble about your entire work history and educational experience or you will become just a talking version of your written resume. Be sure to not give everything about yourself away in your response so you save parts of your resume to talk about later on in the interview.
Have you ever had a conflict with an old boss and how was it resolved?
Instinct may tell you to say no, you have not had any conflicts, and to project an image of a friendly, happy go-lucky employee, but that’s not what the employer wants to hear. The purpose of this question is to determine how you resolve inevitable conflict in the workplace, not whether you are an instigator. When answering this question, focus on calling it a “disagreement” rather than a conflict, and discuss how you solved it through clear and open communication instead of letting it turn into a bigger issue.
How would you describe yourself in X words?
This question can be tricky when you are in the early stages of interviewing and are unsure of what personality type the employer wants. Should you go with outgoing and outspoken, or do they want an employee who will keep their head down and work? Try catering your response to whatever position you are applying for. For example, use creative adjectives for an art or design position, words such as “conscientious” or “deadline-oriented” for roles in accounting, and play up your persuasive skills when applying to join a team of distributors. When in doubt, always go for guaranteed crowd pleasers with words such as “reliable”, “dependable” or “persistent”.
Why do you want to work here?
Sneaky employers are looking for you to slip up and badmouth your old job, or to catch you unprepared for the interview. Do not say a peep about wanting to leave your old job because of an unpleasant work atmosphere or minimum pay. Instead you should turn the conversation towards your potential future employer’s impact in the industry and great reputation. You could even talk about any projects you know the company is working on. This will show your interviewer you prepared thoroughly by doing research on the company.
Why do you want to leave your job?
Did you get looked over for a promotion at your previous job? Now is not the time to let your bitterness show through. It can be hard to bite your tongue, especially when baited, about the negatives of your last position, but stay strong, millennials! Tell your potential new employer about how this position will offer you invaluable opportunities to learn and that is what caught your eye. Describe the knowledge you gained at your previous position, and go into detail about how this new position could benefit from these skills while still allowing you to grow professionally.
